We are called fakes, freaks, and imposters, sometimes even by people who care about us. And they do care about us. They just fail to understand the changes we’re going through.

- Aiden James Kosciesza, “Plastic Boy: Transgender Identity Unpacked”

Aiden James Kosciesza is a transgender speaker, writer, and activist who has been sharing his personal story of transition since 2011.

Born with two X chromosomes and assigned female at birth, it took Aiden almost twenty years to realize his male gender identity. His journey has taken him through high and low points: from dark days of high school confusion and self-harm, to a limbo between knowledge and action when he lived semi-closeted in Japan, to the assertion of his male identity through legal gender transition and hormone therapy. He speaks at universities, conferences, hospitals, and businesses about transgender identity and his personal experience.

Let’s Talk About Gender

The more we encounter people who are different from us, the more we come to understand them — and, through them, ourselves. Aiden Kosciesza has made it his mission to raise awareness of transgender issues, under the guiding principle that persecution stems from ignorance and misunderstanding.

Many people have heard the word “transgender,” but don’t have a clear understanding of what that word means. Aiden’s presentation outlines basic trans* terminology and explains the difference between biological sex, gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. Aiden identifies which words are current and which ones are out-of-date or offensive, and provides helpful guidelines for interacting with trans* people in polite, respectful ways.

Start A Conversation

Funny, poignant, eye-opening, and inspiring, Aiden’s story connects with audiences of all backgrounds. His open, down-to-earth style encourages participants to ask questions — especially the ones that are difficult to broach — and breaks down transgender stereotypes simply by example. He also offers custom presentations and motivational speaking about change, courage, and self-assertion, all grounded in his experience as a transgender man.

Here’s what people are saying:

“I generally do not respond well to lectures, but Aiden Kosciesza’s lecture on his transformation of identity felt more like a story coming to life than a lecture.”

“Aiden’s talk was interesting, innovating, and captivating. His openness and frankness really helped to put the audience at ease, which made it easier for us to listen.”

“This was one of my favorite lectures of the year. His transition seems heroic, but he was simply doing what he could to show the world who he really was. … His attitude and confidence is truly inspiring and really taught me a valuable lesson about being yourself.”

“Prior to the event, I imagined that it would be relatively uncomfortable; as far as I knew, I had never met a transgendered [sic] individual and was relatively intimidated. However, as soon as Aiden began telling his story I was put at ease and genuinely fascinated by what he had to say.”

“It can be difficult to begin to process a transgendered [sic] person’s experience without some sort of personal exchange, and this event truly opened my eyes and made me think about my own gender identity and gender more broadly in a new way.”

“Out of the dozens of lectures I’ve attended as a college student, this was the best one.”